"... providing the option for Chinese travellers to fly direct into Brisbane and easily connect to a range of Queensland destinations allows them to bypass the southern states and spend more time and money in Queensland," she said.

Ms Bligh said China was an important market for Queensland, with 153,000 Chinese visiting the state last year, up 16 per cent on the previous year.

Tourism authorities believe Chinese visitor numbers to Queensland will grow by 10 per cent in coming years.

Brisbane Airport Corporation managing director Julieanne Alroe said China was Queensland's second largest trading partner, providing a strong case for the resumption of direct flights.

She said the education sector would also benefit as the number of Brisbane-based Chinese students increases.

"Our next goal is to convince China Southern to fly daily to Brisbane within the next two years," she said.